SUCCESS at last

MP ACHIEVES CLOSURE OF CRIME SPOT LAY-BY

Hugh Robertson has succeeded in his campaign to close the troublesome lay-by on the A20 near Hollingbourne. The good news was contained in a letter to the MP from KCC Area Transportation Manager, Richard Stubbings.The lay-by will be closed with temporary features straight away, with a permanent closure occurring in the autumn as part of major maintenance works on that part of the A20.

This is the conclusion of a long campaign launched by the MP and Hollingbourne Parish Council in May 2002. The lay-by has been a source of local irritation for some time. It has been alleged that illegal immigrants have been dropped off here and it has been a magnet for other crime - such as drug dealing. It is also used for dumping litter and as a cheap car park.

Hugh said: "I have had an enormous number of complaints about this lay-by from both local residents and the Parish Council. It is a total eyesore and has clearly been used by criminal elements. Given the presence of the motorway service area 50 yards away, it is also totally unnecessary.

"The closure marks the culmination of a long campaign and I would like to thank KCC. I could not be more delighted."